The Line Creek Civitan Club and the Georgia District Civitan Foundation will host the 11th annual Great Chili Challenge Saturday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Shakerag Knoll in Peachtree City.
For the first time in the history of this event the first place winner in the people’s choice category will win a $500 cash prize. If you have a great chili recipe and would like to enter your chili into the event, you still have time to do so. Entry forms may be downloaded at www.linecreekcivitan.org. Simply mail it in with your entry fee of $20 and start cooking.
“This will be a great day of chili tasting and fun at Shakerag Knoll Park! This year’s event will be a ‘chili culinary extravaganza’ featuring competition in several different categories and will include contestants from both professional and novice community businesses, civic clubs and organizations, restaurants, and various other groups and individual participants,” said Debbie Clanton, president of the Line Creek Civitan Club.
The event will have a local radio personality from 92.5 The Bear to emcee throughout the day. Live entertainment will be provided by The Cherokee Thunder Band. The Chili Contest will be Judged by Mrs. Georgia America 2015, Laura Smith, and surprise local dignitaries.
There will be a lot of great fun for all ages. A special program is planned, a moonwalk for the kids and dance teams performances plus great chili tasting, a bake sale, a raffle drawing with a $10 donation for a Big Green Egg Cooker plus work station that will be given away at the event.
According to the event coordinators, “The net proceeds from the Chili Challenge will support local community charities and Civitan projects that work to improve the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities. They provide contributions to many local charities which include The Joseph Sams School, American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Special Olympics, Special People of Fayette County, Christian City and Southwest Christian Care. Additionally, they help fund the Civitan International Research Center which brings together top scientific minds and the latest technology to create innovative therapies and treatments for people affected by mental and developmental disabilities.”
Shakerag Knoll is located at 191 McIntosh Trail in Peachtree City (between Peachtree Parkway and Highway 74). Shakerag Knoll was once known as the place for passengers to signal the train to stop by shaking a handkerchief or rag — hence the name “Shakerag.”
The entry fee for individual contestants and nonprofit organizations is $20. Commercial or business contestants, including restaurants, must register as a sponsor for $250 and up depending on the type sponsorship is selected. Sponsoring also entitles them to become a sponsor-contestant if they want to compete for the many prizes. For more information call Wayne Howell at 770-716-0571.
There will be many categories and prizes, with awards for first and second place:
People’s Choice (all contestants). The chili voted best by the attending public. This is the only award voted on by the attending public.
Judges’ Choice (individual or nonprofit organization contestants). Voted best by official judges.
Judges’ Choice (business and commercial contestants). Voted best all by official judges.
Best Decorated Booth (all contestants). Determined by official judges and includes theme, name of chili, creativity and attire.
Best Youth Category (grades 6-12). Voted best by the official judges.
Contestant and sponsor forms are available for download at www.linecreekcivitan.org.
